innocentkitten's blog

Codeforces Round 996 (Div. 2)
By innocentkitten, 5 weeks ago, In English

Hello, Codeforces!

I'm pleased to invite you to open up the new year with Codeforces Round 996 (Div. 2) on Jan/12/2025 17:35 (Moscow time)! You will assist Florida Man through his whimsical adventures with $$$6$$$ tasks in the span of $$$2$$$ hours. The score distribution is as follows:

$$$\ \ \ \,$$$ $$$\ \ \ \,$$$ $$$\ \ \ \,$$$ $$$\quad\,$$$ $$$\quad\ $$$ $$$\ \ \ $$$

$$$500-1000-1500-2250-3000-3500.$$$

The problems were written and prepared by me, innocentkitten. However, this round would not have been possible without:

We hope you find that the problems are interesting, and that you earn your desired rating gains! or losses, if you somehow want that

UPD 1: The editorial is up! Hope you enjoyed the contest!

UPD 2: Congrats to the top 5!

Div. 1 + 2

  1. Forested

  2. maspy

  3. potato167

  4. A_G

  5. Otomachi_Una

Div. 2

  1. loK10

  2. turgon314

  3. BINYU

  4. dialnote

  5. _Enana

First clears

A. aryan12, 00:00

B. ankan.2526, 00:03 (Div. 1 + 2: arvindf232, 00:03)

C. Sunflower233, 00:11 (Div. 1 + 2: DE_aemmprty, 00:07)

D. suharius, 00:32 (Div. 1 + 2: Survivor_winner, 00:18)

E. myheartwaing, 01:50 (Div. 1 + 2: tute7627, 00:37)

F. N/A (Div. 1 + 2: maspy, 01:04)

  • Vote: I like it
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  • Vote: I do not like it

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5 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +46 Vote: I do not like it

By the way, I'm one of the organizers for the upcoming MIT Informatics Tournament! If you're interested, check out https://mitit.org/ and https://codeforces.me/blog/entry/137822.

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5 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +12 Vote: I do not like it

hope to reach 1500+)

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5 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

Looking forward to a very galactic contest!

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5 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +12 Vote: I do not like it

As a tester, there are atleast 6 exciting problems to solve.

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5 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

sounds like an interesting theme, can't wait to participate

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    5 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    Also here is a game I learned at a Summer camp: google Florida Man along with your birth date to see what type of Florida Man you are.

    for example, this is my Florida Man
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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

      I have two florida mans

      First

      Second

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

      i will remember to wish you a happy birthday btw

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

        lol I will remember to wish you one too

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        20 hours ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

        Happy birthday! Time really flies. I sent myself a few timed emails, but I didn't even have the time to forget it. Anyway, I hope you enjoy your day in the company of your family.

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      Mine was unexpectedly accurate

      https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/miami/news/south-florida-main-on-lsd-accused-of-tackling-disney-guard/

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it -8 Vote: I do not like it

        so which one is it: do you use LSD or have you attacked a Disney guard before? (I am genuinely curious)

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          4 weeks ago, # ^ |
            Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

          Can’t tell dude, I use my actual face here. But let’s say I have never been to Disney

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5 weeks ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it -46 Vote: I do not like it

-

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    5 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +45 Vote: I do not like it

    I think that's the score of the problem not the rating (if you read carefully)

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

      he probably didn't know ig, that both things are diff

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

        He thought 500 rated problems were invented 2 days ago when innocentkitten wrote this blog.

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
      ← Rev. 3   Vote: I like it -16 Vote: I do not like it

      Nice problemset! I especially enjoyed solving Problem C because it had an interesting implementation

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5 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +19 Vote: I do not like it

As a tester, wow its the first time I have seen an announcement with centered score distribution

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5 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +6 Vote: I do not like it

Nice art, hoping to bounce back to CM!

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5 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

As a beginner[I can only solve questions with a rating up to 1000], should I join the contest? "

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    div.3 is better

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    you can probably do only the first question. Div3/div4 would be more suitable for you.

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
    ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +10 Vote: I do not like it

    It's a div2 contest so you probably won't be able to solve many problems (typically 1, or sometimes 2, problems in div2 contests have <=1000 difficulty), so div3 or div4 would be better for your level.

    Still, in my opinion, even if a contest is hard you have nothing to lose from participating (not even rating for your first couple of contests). Since it's your first one, your rating will increase a lot anyway. Also, there aren't div3 and div4 contests as often as div2.

    When I started, I simply participated whenever I had time (my 2nd and 3rd contest were div2) — actually, I still do -, but some people probably prefer to only participate in beginner contests at first, and that's fine.

    It's totally up to you. Just don't be disappointed if you find a contest difficult — you'll get much better with time.

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

    Definitely,
    And this goes for every contest that you are eligible to participate in

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5 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

as a participant, i will try to climb mountains of problem C

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4 weeks ago, # |
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as a tester, all I can say is bless yourself for an exciting div2 round.

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

Great art for score distribution.

Also the first contest where magic will be disappeared, the standings will be less confusing.

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4 weeks ago, # |
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hope to climb to specialist again

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

As a participant, this announcement broke the record for the shortest announcement. Second place

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4 weeks ago, # |
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that an interesting round!

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What are sixth and fifth images (3000 and 3500 points question) ?

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +4 Vote: I do not like it

Does it means D is harder than Ds in other div2s?

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

wishing 1300+ for myself

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

Don't worry guys it will be an easy contest.. afterall innocentkitten is a Pupil.

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

i think i ll be green in this contest

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4 weeks ago, # |
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Hope to back expert :)

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4 weeks ago, # |
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Happy new year to all.

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

As a participant, I can confirm innocentkitten is innocent

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +2 Vote: I do not like it

(small_announcement == small_statement)?yes:no;

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4 weeks ago, # |
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The last small thing had me :)

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4 weeks ago, # |
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I hope I become the 2250 rated eagle and fly through the contest :)

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +23 Vote: I do not like it

My guess for the problem topics:

A: Climb a tree faster than a Crocodile

B: Find the formula such that throwing Sulfuric acid does no damage to your body.

C: Climb the Everest in winter with no socks and bare hands.

D: Spot the difference in the 2 pictures faster than an Eagle.

E: Find needle in Haystack in $$$O(1)$$$ complexity.

F: Break the fourth wall. (Good luck!)

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4 weeks ago, # |
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I am sure rainboy is looking for losses XD

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4 weeks ago, # |
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lmao i'm loving this florida man concept, just reminds me of how i'm a part of such a wholesome community here :)

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -7 Vote: I do not like it

Maybe I'm not very familiar with the CF rating system or divisions, but what is the point of introducing problems with 3000+ rating in Div 2 contest ? Are there a lot of CMs, who can solve such problems ? Won't these problems be more useful in Div 1 ? I see, that score distribution and problems rate are not the same, still 1250 distance between D and E seems to be large enough for 2250 estimation for D. Just curiosity )

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

hhha,good luck!

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

After studying only Number theory and STL basics can i participate in this division 2 contest?? Hope! I will be able to solve few questions. Suggestions and comments about topic to cover after wards are appreciated.

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    (As I said in my previous comment) I believe that (as long as you're not disappointed when you find a contest hard, which you shouldn't be), you should enter as many contests as you can. Number theory and STL are enough for a decent performance, especially with practice.

    If you're comfortable with basic techniques such as brute force, greedy and binary search, you should learn the basics of DP and/or (especially if you're also participating in olympiads) graph algorithms.

    The most important thing to do, though, is practice by solving problems. Also, remember that it's more important to solve problems that require you to think a bit than to solve a lot of problems, so don't just solve, for example, as many 800 rated problems as you can, unless you find them challenging.

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

      Thx for your time . It's so nice of you. I started cf last december only hence i think would take some time but i will be consistent i promise. Though i didn't still study dp ,binary search or greedy techniques, i will continue giving every contest and will work harder and harder for ICPC . Can u tell how many problems should i solve for each topic say number theory .

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
        ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

        I'm glad I could help!

        There's no specific number of problems you should solve — just solve enough to feel comfortable with that topic. Regarding greedy, there's not a specific thing you should learn (greedy algorithms are just the ones that always chose what looks like the best option at the time), so you should just practice — I recommend solving CSES Sorting and Searching problems for that.

        You should also solve random problems (just filter the problemset by rating and solve the problems one by one), because it's important to practice not only specific topics but also problem solving in general. Start with problems with difficulty 800 and solve some until you find them easier. 30-45 minutes is the ideal amount of time a problem should take you for you to practice (Credit to Dremix10 orz for telling me this), so once it drops to about 15 minutes start solving 900, then 1000 etc.

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

hope to reach specialist!!!

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Hope to reach 1900

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4 weeks ago, # |
← Rev. 3   Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

Hi people and innocentkitten Is Rust not supported in this contest? The email I received mentioned only the following supported languages: "C/C++, Pascal, Perl, Java, C#, Python (2 and 3), Ruby, PHP, Haskell, Scala, OCaml, D, Go, JavaScript, and Kotlin." I’m new to Codeforces and wanted to confirm if Rust is supported, as the ProblemSet on Codeforces indicates that Rust is a supported language.

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Hoping to reach pupil

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4 weeks ago, # |
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hoping for pupil this round

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4 weeks ago, # |
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D has 2250 points, damn!

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

these look like something in plague inc

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

This Will be My First Contest

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4 weeks ago, # |
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i just want to be dark blue

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Hello to all the candidates!

I want to ask a question that what are the rating of problems that have score distribution of 1500 typically in a Div. 2 contest ?

I am asking this because I am able to solve 500 and 1000 scored problems but find it very difficult to solve problems rated above 1000.

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
    ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    In the latest div2s with identical score distribution to this one's, the difficulty of C was between 1300 and 1600, so you can expect it to be somewhere in that range. However, the scores are just the difficulty of the problems relatively to the other problems of the same contest, so two problems with equal scores, but in different contests, might have very different difficulties.

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4 weeks ago, # |
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Can I give this as it's my first ever contest. Like what will be level of the problems?

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +4 Vote: I do not like it

This is going to be my first contest on codeforces !!

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Just curious why priyanshu.p has SO MANY skipped solutions?! Not just a single solution but all solutions of the contest — multiple times — and the last one in Sept 2024.

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    Check under my comments :)

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +9 Vote: I do not like it

      huh weird. Same for 2021-22 as well? Dates of skip: 11 Dec, 20 Dec, 12 Jan... weird to say the least. I didn't know plag checker is THAT broken.

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4 weeks ago, # |
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as a participant, i will not forget to participate!

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

as a tester hope to solve all 6 problems

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4 weeks ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Why is my hack 8 min in queue, is that normal? I never hacked before so idk...

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -33 Vote: I do not like it

Don't make any contest again.

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +11 Vote: I do not like it

Bruh everytime I got WA its due to me using int instead of long long literally fell from 2000 to 4000 f man atleast I learned my lession

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

What does this mean in hacking?

Validator 'validator.exe' returns exit code 3 [FAIL Expected EOLN (test case 1, stdin, line 3)]

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +19 Vote: I do not like it

how tf did 6000 solve C? Did it leak?

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
    ← Rev. 3   Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

    it was GTPable probably. I saw a few 1900+ rated people struggle with it. Dont know how so many pupils and specs did it within an hour.

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      I went through the code of a few low rated users, so many have gpt code. Having div2 C gptable is a joke.

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

      are you sure about that bro? maybe i'm not good gpt-user, but just now i copypasted task to gpt, and he gave some wrong shit. maybe i should write some good prompt or have o1-version of gpt, idk. what i'm asking for, did you got the right code from gpt? try now pls

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
    ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    C is not that hard its just implementation and not overthinking values of x , (x can be anything) I wasted my time overthinking ;(

    update: I was wrong x cannot be anything

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +20 Vote: I do not like it

      It's false, $$$x$$$ can't be anything. This is exactly what makes this problem difficult. I also struggled with this problem today because of many wrong assumptions and bad shape in general, but I also don't believe 6k+ people solved it without any additional help.

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
        ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

        I believe x can be anything (which is not like stupid/ taking things out of bound somehow), for example I took x to be 0. 300718337

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

        I did x==0 and dont understand why me taking x==-1 will change the ans

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          4 weeks ago, # ^ |
          ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it -8 Vote: I do not like it

          I got the point now. "$$$x$$$ can be anything" in your case means "We can restore answer for any $$$x$$$". Then yes, I agree.

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            4 weeks ago, # ^ |
              Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

            yes

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              4 weeks ago, # ^ |
                Vote: I like it -8 Vote: I do not like it

              Ok, I will clarify what I meant. I meant that not every greedy method works for arbitrary $$$x$$$. At least my methods didn't work.

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
        ← Rev. 3   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

        I tried making x=1000 its working. if you are moving down you will never see current row again so make it equal to x , if you are moving right you will never see current column again so make it x

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        unfortunately it was gpt solvable. it's quite silly when it couldn't solve AB but C.

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        I tried using o1-mini on C, it isn't even close to correct answer.

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      x is hardly anything because I tried x = 1 for the third test case and it gives false equation.

      After that I write out a few matrix and solve it by hand, somehow x = 0 is the way overall.

      My example matrix is

      4 3
DRDRD
0 6 5
0 0 4
1 0 0
2 3 0

      When I solved it by hand, x is forced to be 0 so the matrix will have a legitimate answer, same as the test case 3. So I guess x = 0 for all test case and AC by a mere chance.

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        wait you are right i am getting this 

        -10 6 5 
8 -11 4 
1 3 -3 
2 3 -5

        its failing for last row I dont understand why

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          4 weeks ago, # ^ |
            Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

          solve it carefully without assume x, you will get x = 0 so thats why I put x = 0 in my code and everything sorts itself out.

          All the time I spent for C is solving linear equation by hand rofl.

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      Bro just admit you copy pasted the question in GPT. Every loser does it these days.

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        me? look bro not everyone is noob like you lmao so you dont have to assume I gpt or not u can check my submission anyone can see lol

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          4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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          its pretty easy to get the logic from gpt and code it yourself. lol.

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          4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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          how exactly does one check if you got logic from gpt or yourself? What do you mean look at my code? How tf does the code reflect where you got the logic from? pretty stupid thing to say.

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            4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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            if its like this I can also say jiangly and tourist has used gpt, they have changed the code

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              4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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              Exactly my point. you cant tell shit by looking at the code. Then why do you ask people to check your code if it doesnt mean anything?

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                4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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                I mean he literally accused me of using gpt , I thought he might have looked at my sol and compared it with gpt. BUT I bet he cant even look at my code right now cause new accounts cant ,and still accused me. LOL

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                  4 weeks ago, # ^ |
                  ← Rev. 3   Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

                  jiangly and tourist dont have skipped code. You do. lol. That too for a C. lol.

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                  4 weeks ago, # ^ |
                    Vote: I like it +4 Vote: I do not like it

                  that is not skipped due to plagarism if you submit 2 answers one get skipped I submitted ans 2 times so one get skipped

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      I don't think "x can be anything" is correct, try x = 1 for the third test case, it doesn't work.

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    I tried different things but the idea was greedy in the end. I hope not to get hacked or something.

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -39 Vote: I do not like it

trash contest

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4 weeks ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

there should be a problem with florida man's twin brother fights him tbh

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4 weeks ago, # |
← Rev. 3   Vote: I like it +15 Vote: I do not like it

difficulty jump from D to E is insane (no complaints just a fact).
0 div2 guys solved E or F, gg.
UPD: 2 (one — former GM, two — dude who spent two hours on it)

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4 weeks ago, # |
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How do we solve C, other than solving $$$(n + m)$$$ linear equations?

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    Try to make matrix columns and rows all sum to 0. If you're going down you will never see the previous row again, if youre going right you will never see the previous column again

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      I did something similar in terms of "not seeing the col/row again", but don't you run into the problem at the last step of both the column and row requiring potentially different numbers that the 0 be assigned to?

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        I don't know the proof, but no. Everything seems to just work out when solving for the last row and column (although I handled it in a bit of a special case). My submission: https://codeforces.me/contest/2055/submission/300697452

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          4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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          breh.. I didn't try making the sum 0, but I tried starting with the top-left value being 0, and then just computing the forced values of all the other 0's....

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        Encountered the same problem, it turns out filling the grid from both ends at the same time works.

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          4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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          I also considered this, but how does that even work? at some point, the 2 ends meet and don't you get the same problem, just now somewhere in the middle?

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          4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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          At first I'm also intended to do this, but I think again for every D and R on the path, either col or row will be filled out and leaving out only 1 hole to solve. So it doesn't need to be this complicated, just solve it from left to right.

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        It seems like the last element is magically work (both sum of row and col are not conflict each other).

        I might need to read the editorial proof after this, just try it out by mere instinct actually.

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        I believe theres the invariant that (allRowsSum == allColumnsSum). This solution guarantees all rows sum zeros out or all columns sum zeros out. Leaving the final square guaranteed to zero out

        what i mean by this is imagine having a 3x3 matrix, and the row sums are (0, 0, 0), try creating a matrix such that the column sums are (0, 0, α (α != 0)). Its not possible

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    Fix topleft cell as x and try to calculate the value of the other cells in the path according to the 1st row sum if first step is D else 1st col sum.

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    x*m = x*n this equation must be satisfied and for this equation x=0 is always the solution so we can use x=0 and then build the solution

    everytime we go Down we have to make the sum of current row = x by filling the current cell with sum of current row — x

    everytime we go Right then we have to make the sume of current column = x by filling the current cell with sum of current column — x

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      What ? Why am i getting downvoted ? Did i say something wrong ?

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    Just wanted to add you can solve the n+m linear equations if you use the fact that there is always a linear equation that depends on a single unset variable. The moment there is not you have completed the matrix. I done C this way.

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4 weeks ago, # |
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Fun problemset! Never thought i'd make expert orz

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4 weeks ago, # |
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Recently up-solving I developed a fear for Linear Diop, Linear Eqns, LU Decomp, Gauss Elimination and had it on my list that I need to understand these concepts and code. While problem C might not be any of this, I was scared to my nerves by the end I read the problem. Nice contest though :)

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    I hear you, Some problems its hard not to give up before even attempting if its a subject you're not familiar with

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4 weeks ago, # |
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im curious for those who solved C whats your thought process, please Enlighten me

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    It could be seen that $$$x \cdot n = x \cdot m$$$ as they are the sum of the matrix. If $$$n \neq m$$$ then obviously $$$x$$$ must be $$$0$$$, so I think we could make $$$x$$$ equals to $$$0$$$.

    To make it possible, we could traverse each point in the path from $$$(1, 1)$$$ to $$$(n, m)$$$ and try to fill in each cell such that the sum of either the row or the column containing that cell, let's call it $$$(curx, cury)$$$, will be $$$0$$$. The path will guarantee that each time we traverse, either the row or the column only contain $$$(curx, cury)$$$ to be filled, and we can fill in the cell with the $$$-sum$$$ of that row or column. Submission 300689317

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      x * n = x * m is key to proof x == 0. Which is I lack but somehow I guessed it through multiple test cases.

      Lucky me I guess

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    Luck. Look at third test case, that gave me the idea to just go through all special points and make the sum of row==0 if we are moving right at that index. or make the sum of col==0 if we are moving down at that index.

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4 weeks ago, # |
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I solved C by merely guessed x = 0 will work for all cases after tested by hand a few matrix.

The solution is if s[i] = D means the a[i][j] will solved by the -sum(row), else -sum(col).

Kinda guessed without proof and AC like a charm.

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4 weeks ago, # |
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who guessed the observation in 2C won the whole contest

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4 weeks ago, # |
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What in the Itachi Crow Montage D was there today :}

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4 weeks ago, # |
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hate questions like C which is basically guessing the answer.

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4 weeks ago, # |
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I hate crows

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4 weeks ago, # |
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please don't set again

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4 weeks ago, # |
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how to solve E?

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4 weeks ago, # |
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It took about 20 minutes to me to understand D :(

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4 weeks ago, # |
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I loved the contest, although E and F look hard based on the submission count. I'm pretty sure I solved D 3 mins after contest end

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4 weeks ago, # |
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too close O_O

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    If I were you, I would still sweat, because it has a very high chance to TLE on systests lol.

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4 weeks ago, # |
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Problem C. I wasted my time trying to solve for an exact solution for the linear equations (I was trying to implement gaussian elimination -_-. It won't even fit the time). so according to what I read in the comments any x could've solved it. so there are infinite solutions then? like the case where we have 2 equations of overlapping lines?

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    "any x could've solved it"

    no, sum_row * n = sum_column * m must be hold

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      But it says sum of values in each rows = x and sum of values in each column = x then why we need this sum of all column = sum of all rows(I.e sum_row * n = sum_column * m)

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        Because sum_col*m = total_sum and sum_row*n = total_sum hence sum_col*m = sum_row*n

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          4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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          I changed the code for being sum =0 then also it give wrong ans at case 5k in test case 2 .....can you say why....300746771

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            4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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            Actually I earlier I tried to make sum of 2 row or 2 column or 1 row and 1 column equal i.e 1st and last then I change it for sum =0 still wrong why

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          4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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          Can you tell me that plz?

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4 weeks ago, # |
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Problem C was a dumb guess and problem D was too hard. Please don't make such problems.

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4 weeks ago, # |
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On a contest page under "Contest materials" section I see cross buttons on "Announcement" and "Editorial".

What will happen, if I will push them?)

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4 weeks ago, # |
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they skipped my solution for A

its literally 

   int n, a, b;
        cin >> n >> a >> b;
 
        int d = abs(b - a)-1;
       {
            if(d%2==0)cout<<"NO"<<endl;
            else cout<<"YES"<<endl;
        }

explaination please? lol

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    It's skipped because you submitted another solution when the contest is still ongoing (Only the second submission is considered, and you also got a -50 for the resubmission).

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      4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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      no way , if i get accepted and resubmit another accepted i get the first accepted as a wrong submission ?

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        4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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        In scoring-based contests like this, then yes. In ICPC style contests though, then it's safe to resubmit another accepted solution.

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    Looks like you had a second submission? In that case, the system will only judge the last one.

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4 weeks ago, # |
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when I try to go to editorial it says you are not allowed to visit requested page

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    yep! I opened that around 15-20 mins ago worked but now not woking :(

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4 weeks ago, # |
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Couldn't solve C because i didn't see that x should be 0. Just wandering if there is some kind of strategy for solving observation problems like this one

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4 weeks ago, # |
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The link to the editorial doesn't work (It says "You are not allowed to view the requested page"). innocentkitten please check what's wrong.

UPD: it's fine now, sorry. I'm not sure why it didn't work before. (I checked it again right after posting this and it was OK)

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4 weeks ago, # |
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I can't believe that I only managed to do C because I tried a different value, still got 0 on the final column and just assumed we need the sum to be 0.

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4 weeks ago, # |
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Speedforces

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4 weeks ago, # |
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was this contest rated???

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4 weeks ago, # |
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My hack data was not added to the final dataset.

My hack data

Submission after contest

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    Same here for my hack on F.

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4 weeks ago, # |
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Why is it showing in my unrated section. This was my first contest here

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4 weeks ago, # |
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I can not understand testcase 2 of problem B during contest. so sad!

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4 weeks ago, # |
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Another way to solve C. A without guess solution for C is to assume grid[0][0] is a then derive grid[i][j] on the path in terms of a

obviously sum or row 0 = sum of row i or sum of row 0 = sum of col i and sum of col0 = sum of row i or sum of col0 = sum of col i

Pick col or row based on path value is ith char is 'D' pick row else pick col.

then a + some constant1 = b + some constant2 where b is some element on the row/col

then b = a + some constant1 — some constant2

There will be at least 2 unknown values in terms of variable in any of the columns or rows by pigenonholde principle. derive some of that multiple unknown values column/row it will be y * a + someConstant2 where y is number of unknonws;

compare it with first row/col (a + someConstant1)

a + someConstant1 = y*a + someConstant2

where y and constants are known solve the equation and you get the value of a.

Now you can get all the values as you earlier represented them in terms of A following the path.

i

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    I changed the code for being sum =0 then also it give wrong ans at case 5k in test case 2 .....can you say why....300746771

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4 weeks ago, # |
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Today C was totally Gpt Solvable , I have seen that almost solution are same , I am sharing the link to Gpt response, Where it gave almost 99 percent correct solution. Here you can you see. I think that problemsetter should check. So this can be avoided from Next time.

Your text to link here...

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    The key observation here was that the sum of all rows and columns is 0, which I don't think the gpt has realized. The implementation was obviously very easy But then again, I haven't checked by prompting the gpt again and again, so not sure

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    4 weeks ago, # ^ |
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    It's very difficult to make only the problems that are not gpt-solvable nowadays, and it will be getting even and even harder. It won't even take years for gpt to solve almost every 2D problems, no matter how the problemsetters try to avoid it.

    Making contests is already a tough procedure and I hope we don't add additional pressure to the setters to give up many interesting problems just because they are gpt-solvable. It's more of our community & admin's work to strictly behave against those who break the rules.

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4 weeks ago, # |
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Bot check ankan.2526 please, the first solver of pB.

The submission patterns look very AI assisted.

e.g. writing in 3 programming languages, not passing pretest 1, trying problem D and E within 1 minute.

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4 weeks ago, # |
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Thank you for such an enjoyable contest. I was able to solve ABC quickly, and with just one more contest at this performance, I'll reach expert! :0

Un canches más
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4 weeks ago, # |
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Hope i solve 3rd one and stay consistent :)

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4 weeks ago, # |
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What is the difficulty rating for div2 D?

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3 weeks ago, # |
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So, according to the note in Problem E, the Florida Man's name is by any accidient Emporio?

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3 weeks ago, # |
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Subject: Clarification Regarding Similarity in Solution for Problem 2055B

Hello,

I received a message regarding the similarity between my solution (Solution ID: 300728702) and another solution (Gaurav1937/300728161, Aman75641/300728702) for problem 2055B in this contest.

I want to clarify that my solution was written independently during the contest. I did not share my code or access any external sources during the competition. The logic I implemented is a natural approach to solving the problem, and any similarity could be coincidental due to the nature of the problem.

Key points I’d like to highlight:

My solution strictly adheres to my usual coding style, which can be observed in my previous submissions. I did not use any public platforms, such as Ideone, or share my code with others. If necessary, I can provide additional details about my thought process and how I arrived at the solution. I kindly request the Codeforces team to review the case thoroughly. Please let me know if any further information is required from my side.

Thank you for your understanding and for maintaining the integrity of the platform.

Best regards, Aman75641

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2 weeks ago, # |
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hello Codeforces team,

i recently received a notification about my solution in contest 996

i would like to clarify something: i wrote the code independently and do not engage in any form of code sharing during contest , i used vs code and submitted the solution directly to codeforces. i have seen the solution of mine and him i looks similar but this is coincidence may be or we are seeing same youtube lectures

idk how to upload photo of mine code this question timestamp

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